In a very even matchup, the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team had a tough 10 minutes that ultimately decided Thursday night's contest.

At the end of the day, the Lakers fell 75-71 to the Laurentian Voyageurs in Sudbury, but it was the third quarter that swung the game in the Vees favour.

Laurentian came away with a small 16-14 advantage after the opening quarter before the teams would find their offensive rhythm.

The Lakers would post a big second quarter, scoring 22 points and closing the small gap, sending the teams to the halftime break all tied up at 38-38.

It was the 10 minutes coming out of the break that gave the Vees a lead they wouldn't relinquish, despite the Lakers push in the fourth.

Laurentian scored 28 points in the third frame, building up a nine point lead heading into the last 10 minutes of action.

Nipissing was able to close the deficit, outscoring Laurentian 16-11 in the final period, but it wasn't enough to come all the way back.

Despite the loss, the Lakers have been strong since the season's restart.

Muktar Mohamed posted 25 points to lead the Lakers attack, Nick Gehlen scored 16, while Nathan Riley and Danny Lukusa each had double-doubles

Riley had 14 points and 11 rebounds and Lukusa had 11 points and 11 boards.

The teams will play the second half of a home-and-home Saturday night at the RJ Surtees Athletic Centre.

Tip-off is set for 8pm.